When Gabriel Sueiro receives his diploma on Dec. 16, it will end one educational journey that started more than two decades ago at Houston Community College, and included him becoming a father of two along the way. Read along as he describes this journey.
My name is Gabriel Sueiro, and I am a proud student at the University of Houston, Cullen College of Engineering. My journey to this point has been one of resilience, determination and a deep commitment to lifelong learning.
Born and raised in Katy, Texas to a family that migrated from Cuba, I have always been deeply connected to my cultural roots. As a first-generation college student, I understand the transformative power of education and the opportunities it can provide.
Becoming a father at the young age of 21 was a significant turning point in my life. Raising two daughters as a single father from the age of 26 has been one of my greatest challenges and achievements. Balancing the responsibilities of parenthood with my professional and academic pursuits has taught me the value of perseverance and hard work.
My academic journey began in 2001 at Houston Community College. Over the years, my curiosity and thirst for knowledge led me to explore various fields of study. I changed my major multiple times, driven by a desire to learn and major in everything that piqued my interest. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time work and raising my daughters, I earned an Associate of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from Houston Community College.
In 2020, I decided to further my education and enrolled at the University of Houston to pursue a bachelor’s degree. True to my nature, I changed my major three times, reflecting my diverse interests and commitment to learning.
Today, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Technology Leadership Innovation Management at the Cullen College of Engineering and a Business Administration Minor with a Corporate Entrepreneurship Certificate at the Baur College of Business and the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship. The knowledge and skills I have acquired through this program are directly applicable to my role as a senior oil and gas professional
With more than 19 years in the oil and gas industry, I currently serve as a Senior Compliance Professional at Enterprise Products, one of the largest natural gas pipeline and storage providers in the United States. Balancing my professional responsibilities with my academic pursuits has been challenging, but it has also provided me with a unique perspective and a wealth of practical knowledge.
Raising two daughters as a single father while navigating my career and education has taught me the value of perseverance and hard work. These experiences have not only shaped my professional journey but also enriched my personal growth.
As I look to the future, I plan to continue my academic pursuits by earning an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Law degree at the University of Houston Law Center. These future endeavors underscore my commitment to lifelong education and my aspiration to make significant contributions to the oil and gas industry or perhaps others.
My story is a testament to the power of resilience, the value of education and the importance of staying true to one’s roots. As I continue on this journey, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the chance to inspire others with my story.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Jesus. His unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in my journey. With Him, everything is possible. I am Gabriel Sueiro, a proud student, a dedicated professional, and a lifelong learner.
In closing, I would like to dedicate this testimony and journey to the memory of my beloved sister, Rita Sueiro. Rita was not just my sister, but also my biggest inspiration. Her kindness and dedication, especially being like a mother and more to my daughters over their lifetime, have left an indelible mark on our lives. She was the one that put clothes on my back when we first heard the news that I was going to be a young dad. She bought all of my first sets of clothes including ties for a new job that I was starting because I had nothing to my name, no car, no work clothes and no food with a baby on the way. Losing her a year ago was one of the hardest moments of my life, but her memory continues to inspire me every day. Rita, your hard work, and dedication to me, my kids, and the entire family have made all of this possible. I miss you dearly and love you always. This is for you.